The Hungry Toddler

The Hungry Toddler

 

1472749669-5f432811c223af8f64ca06e07d056242Having a toddler is amazing but it can also seem like they are always eating.  Trying to get them to eat healthy foods isn’t always easy… thankfully my little monster loves fruits, veggies and yogurt.  Our go to snack are foods that have some nutritional value, while not ruining her appetite for dinner.

unnamedSo good for her foods like Chobani Kids Tubes and Pouches like are amazing to share after a day at school or even pop into my older one’s lunchbox.  It’s been our go-to snack for a while now, and our daughters love them.  Since our youngest two see our son who’s now in the 3rd grade carry a lunch to school – I like knowing that he’s setting a good example. His lunches typically contain a Chobani Kids Greek Yogurt tube, his favorite new Strawberry Banana. Those character’s don’t make for a hard sell either. It helps re-enforce the health eating habits and it’s a food I can feel good about filled with protein and real fruits.  Packing lunches and trying to find a good nutritional snacks can be difficult but neither of those are my problems when my child’s plate looks like this…

As we get into the Back-to-School groove in our house we’re constantly looking for new ways to make lunches fun and good for our little ones. Chobani is helping parents by sharing some “swap out” ideas – check it out here.

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Clek Olli a booster seat for the cool kids

Clek Olli a booster seat for the cool kids

When you’re a parent safety is the #1 factor… shortly behind that comes easy of use.  Living in manhattan you take certain things in stride – like I’ll just hold my baby instead of carrying a carseat into and out of every taxi from FiDi to the Upper East Side.  Truth is we dont lug those things around because of the pain in the neck that is it to always put them in to and out of cars… which is why when my son hit 4 years old (he had already met all the other height and weight requirements) I was happy about moving over to a Clek Olli booster seat.

This is super cool in looks – ease of use is second to none… as long as your car was made in 2003 or newer (select 2001 & 2002) – you have the latch system and its easy peazy to install.

In 2012 Clek announced an Olli that even this papa bear was drooling over the Olli Cooper which is a leather booster seat. You know in modern times colors/fabric choices are how we parents define ourselves and our kids personalities.

Here’s the kicker when is comes to lugging many other booster seats in and out of cars they can be 20 lbs without blinking an eye… you can carry the clek at just 5lbs — thats lighter then most bowling balls.

How do you know if you’re child is ready to move from the convertible car seat to a booster seat – and a back-less booster seat at that… you really need to think about sleep patterns – is your child always falling asleep in the car then switching them over to a backless booster might not be the right fit.

But really – Who Should Use the Olli?
Booster seat laws vary by state. Please check your local booster seat laws.
Height Weight Recommended Age
40-57 in. (101-145 cm)
40-120 lb (18-54 kg)
4 years and up

If you’re a leather guy – like I am – you really need to check out the Limited Edition Black Leather Cooper… but if I had to go in a different direction I’m loving that tadpole green color… but the Jet and Storm also work for me.
Our friends at Clek are sooo cool they’re offering an Olli up as a giveaway prize… pretty simple pick out which olli color you’d like to own (your choice other then the cooper thats off limits because of its limited edition numbers).

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. September 6th, 2012.

You must comment with which color Olli you’d like to own?  please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/clek

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

” win a @clek Olli #BoosterSeat from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/OrksoP  ”  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win a  @Clek Olli #BoosterSeat from @dadarocks –  http://dad.tc/OrksoP

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/clekinc you must comment that dadarocks.com sent you.

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Limited to the USA.

Disclaimer: Clek is providing the prize for the raffle and did provide a review unit – all thoughts of the product are my own.

Win a 3 month supply of Huggies Diapers and tips on how to keep up with your little movers

Win a 3 month supply of Huggies Diapers and tips on how to keep up with your little movers

One of the things you get really quickly when you have a baby is just how much work goes into taking care of them – you also never know just how many diapers you’ll go through in a given day.  Let me tell you – its A LOT! Here’s Laila Ali’s tips for how to keep up with your little ones.

10 Tips to Keep Up with Little Movers: By Laila Ali

1. Get moving! Finding time to hit the gym isn’t always easy with a baby at home, so find ways to incorporate aerobic activity into your day. Walk to the library or supermarket whenever possible, and be sure to get your toddler out of his or her stroller so they can walk some of the way, too. If walking to your destination isn’t an option, park the car far from entrances or take the stairs instead of the elevator!

2. Surround yourself with support: From sharing parenting advice to all those special “firsts” in your baby’s life, connecting with other parents is a great way to surround yourself with needed support. Huggies® Brand is helping Parents all over the country come together by teaming up with Meetup, the world’s largest online network of local groups, to host 60 “Keep-Up Meetups” from January – March. “Keep-Up Kits” will be given away to help Meetup Parents keep up with their Little Mover!

3. Laugh! From spit-up to the spilled milk, don’t be afraid to laugh off the silly situations. Laughter really is the best medicine – relieving stress, and burning extra calories! Remember, parenting is never perfect so next time you find yourself in the middle of that messy diaper change don’t let yourself stress – instead let out a loud laugh!

4. Accept a Helping Hand! For a first time Parent, it’s hard to realize you really can’t do it all. Keeping up with your Little Mover all day can be exhausting! When feeling overwhelmed and ready to pull out your hair, it is ok to admit to yourself that you really could use that extra helping hand. Accept your family’s or friend’s offer to come over and keep your Little One entertained for a couple of hours. Don’t second guess this decision, be grateful and accept the favor because you deserve it (and others relish the time with your little bundle of joy)!

5. Don’t Forget to Sleep! Between the late night feedings and round the clock diaper duty, it may seem impossible to get more than a couple hours of shut-eye. To keep from feeling like you are going to fall asleep while at the stroller wheel, try to fit in a nap during the day while your baby snoozes and for the working Parent, ensure you head to bed as soon as possible once the little ones are tucked snuggly in their beds. Teaming up with your partner and switching off middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes can also save you from exhaustion!

6. Take up a hobby: Setting aside time to work on something you enjoy can help clear your mind and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t be afraid to try out different hobbies until you find the one that fits your schedule and interests. If your hobby is one that can include your Little One, do it this can make for some very special bonding time!

7. Stay Organized: Organization is key to keeping stress to a minimum! From making sure the diaper bag is prepared prior to that long car ride or day at the playground, staying organized and scheduling your day can help you stay calm, cool and collected.

8. Reward yourself: Parents deserve rewards for all that they do on days other than Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. What’s even better is getting kickbacks on items they already purchase – like diapers! This season, enjoy a winning code in every pack of Huggies® Little Movers diapers to cash in for prizes like Starbucks gift cards and iPods! Submit each on-pack code online at Huggies.com to win.

9. Take a break! Be committed to taking regular breaks away from your children. It’s easy to brush off the importance of “me time” but it’s a must to keep you at your best – whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book or going for a drive, “me time” cannot be underestimated!

10. Remember to Treasure those “Aww-Inspired” Moments: Last but certainly NOT least, remember to sit back and enjoy the ride of a lifetime – parenthood! From sharing photos of your Little One rocking Huggies® Little Movers diapers on the Huggies Facebook page, to connecting with other parents on the Huggies Twitter page, remember to treasure each parenting moment!

If you’re looking for some huggies coupons check this link.  If you’re looking for more energy – sorry we’re looking for that too and if you have a baby – just wait for them to become toddlers.

 

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 14th, 2011.
Leave a comment below with what size huggies your child wears and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @huggies @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/g3JmL6  and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.

Example: I want to win a 3 month supply of @huggies from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/g3JmL6

You get 1 extra entry for following @dadarocks on twitter –www.twitter.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for following @Huggies on twitter – www.twitter.com/huggies You must comment that you’re a follower.

You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook – www.facebook.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a fan.

You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/huggies (and leave a note saying that www.dadarocks.com sent you) You must comment that you’re a fan.

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Thanks to Huggies for providing the 3 months supply of coupons for which the winner will purchase the diapers in the size they need.